Indian national arrested in Pavia pastor slay case

By Jennifer P. Rendon

One of the three Indian nationals accused in the murder of a pastor on Jan. 10 in Pavia, Iloilo, was arrested in Roxas City, Capiz.

Alias Lovely, 24, was apprehended at his residence in Angel Ville, Barangay San Jose, Roxas City, on the evening of Sept. 17.

Members of the Pavia Municipal Police Station, Iloilo Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit and Roxas City Police Station served the arrest warrant for murder under Criminal Case Number 25-94916.

Judge Ferdinand Thomas Derla Magallanes of the 6th Regional Trial Court, Branch 28, Iloilo City, issued the warrant on July 14, 2025.

No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

It was earlier reported that two of the suspects had left the country, although police have yet to confirm it.

The three Indian nationals are alleged to be behind the killing of Pastor Douglas Jover.

Investigators said the suspects might have planned the murder after Jover allegedly failed to pay a PHP 300,000 loan.

The victim reportedly used the money as an “investment” in cryptocurrency.

Police had earlier hinted that unpaid debt was one of the possible motives behind the killing.

Jover, 62, a resident of Telecom Compound, Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro, Iloilo City, died instantly after he was shot inside his vehicle.

The gunman fled on board a motorcycle driven by another person.

Residents reported hearing gunfire around 6:30 p.m. before they saw the victim’s white Geely Coolray crossover ram into a roadside fence.